CD Reviews

Four Of Eight Masterpieces

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 09/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Volume 4 of the "Art Tatum Group Masterpieces" is the second of two discs featuring the unique trio of Lionel Hampton on vibes, Buddy Rich on drums, and of course, Tatum on piano. This August 1955 session, like most Tatum recordings, is an all-standard affair, with classic versions of "Lover Man," "This Can't Be Love," "Body And Soul," and two "concepts" of "Love For Sale." While I don't find Volume 4 as enjoyable as Volumes 6, 7 or 8 (my personal favs), it is nonetheless a classic date. If anything, my problem here is that at times Hampton does his own thing, instead of giving himself over to Tatum's style like Buddy DeFranco (Volume 7) or Ben Webster (Volume 8) does. However, this is a minor point and Hampton's contributions are truly memorable. In all, the eight volumes of the Tatum "Group Masterpieces" represent one of the towering achievements in jazz piano, not to mention recorded jazz history."